SEA November Members Meeting

At this meeting, we would like to explore how we can help make the newly elected progressive Victoria city council responsible to SEA policies, campaigns and actions. This might include lobbying techniques (emails to city council, speaking at city meetings, coffee with councillors, figuring out how to organize to keep and get more people involved, etc).

Once motions are adopted at Victoria city council, we can then lobby with Saanich to get same motion of progress towards "people and planet before profit".

As you may know, workers at Victoria International Airport have been fighting for a decent contract for over a year now. For years they have endured low wages and unreasonably high workloads resulting from understaffing.

Over the last year, they have organized themselves and began a fight for a significant improvement in their working standards. Unfortunately, their employer, Compass, has not gotten that message, nor has YYJ Airport, that has insisted it has no responsibility in this labour dispute. As a way to get the workers message to the Airport Authority, we have put together this online petition, which we ask you to sign, and to forward to any internal lists you are able to send this out to.

Trans Day of Remembrance: a faith-based vigil

For the past 20 years the International Transgender community has gathered near the end of November to commemorate those of the world-wide trans community that have died because of transphobic violence. As a congregation we wish to support our trans siblings by holding a faith-based vigil with readings, prayers and hymns that join in mourning and encourage us to follow in the way of love.

Join us for an hour of solidarity and contemplation.

There will be a collection taken at the door for the work of the Rainbow Health Cooperative.

Fundraising film screening in support of Heiltsuk vs. Canada

Monday, November 19, 2018
12:00 PM to 1:30 PMUVic
University of Victoria Indigenous Law Club

Hosted by RAVEN Trust

The Heilstuk Nation upholds an unbroken lineage of ancestral teachings that powerfully connect people to place. When the Nathan E. Stewart ran aground in their Great Bear Rainforest home, the Heiltsuk took to the courts. Witness how, in the wake of the devastating spill, the Heiltsuk are working to enshrine Indigenous governance of their homelands and waters into law. They are taking power back from regulators asleep at the wheel to ensure that the Pacific coast is protected for future generations. Their work will ensure marine safety for anyone who cares about the coast, the climate and future generations.

The Nathan E. Stewart sank: but the Heiltsuk are rising.

Stunning footage combines with compelling storytelling to paint an urgent picture of a Nation poised to change the conversation about rights and reconciliation in this country.

Crossing Cultures & Healing Totem Unveil ~ Victoria BC

In May 2017, the Ministry of Health embarked on a new project to support our contribution to the signing of the Declaration of Commitment in 2015. With our partnership with the Royal BC Museum and TimberWest, the themed Crossing Cultures & Healing totem pole has been carved by Coast Salish carvers Tom & Perry LaFortune at the Royal BC Museum.

This totem signifies our commitment to participate and honor reconciliation efforts with all Indigenous peoples of British Columbia. This project is one step on our collective path towards ongoing meaningful reconciliation, better health outcomes for Indigenous peoples, stronger relationships with our Indigenous partners, and ensuring British Columbia’s health system is culturally safe for everyone.

Please join us in witnessing this First Nation unveiling ceremony of the Crossing Cultures and Healing totem pole.

The Role & Recognition of Indigenous Legal Traditions in Canada

Hello everyone! Please join us November 20th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in the FPH Ceremonial Hall for a talk with Dr. Sarah Morales. The title of her talk will be, "The Role & Recognition of Indigenous Legal Traditions in Canada: A Coast Salish Example." Coffee and tea will be served. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Tools and Approaches for Equity in Active Communities

How do we ensure equitable access to opportunities for physical activity in our communities?

Join BC Healthy Communities Society for our event and province-wide livestream featuring thought leaders and innovators in conversation about the planning and policy approaches communities can use to ensure healthy communities for all.

This event invites local government officials, planners and recreation programmers, as well as health authority staff and physical activity researchers, to learn about the tools and approaches they can use to ensure everyone in our communities can be physically active.

This event is presented by BC Healthy Communities Society through its PlanH program, and made possible with the generous assistance of a Stream of Consciousness 2020 Vision Grant.

TWO WAYS TO JOIN US!

HOSTED LIVE AT SUNSET LABS!:

In Victoria and want to join us in person? The live event will be held at Sunset Labs: 400 Herald Street, Victoria (behind Value Village): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/physical-activity-for-all-tools-and-approaches-for-equity-in-active-communities-tickets-51338380478?aff=soc

ALSO AVAILABLE VIA LIVESTREAM!:

Can't join us in person? We'll be hosting a digital ticket of this event via Stream of Consciousness. Tickets & details are here!: https://streamofconsciousness.ca/event/2020-vision-bchcs/

Healing in the 21st Century - Integrating Tradition & Medicine

Come hear expert practitioners and researchers discuss traditional healing and clinical medicine! From treating addiction to childbirth to indigenous healing practices - join us for a great event pushing the boundaries of health and medicine!

Net2Vic: How to Get People to Donate on Your Website

Come join us for this special presentation and reconnect with the Netsquared community.

There are so many different reasons a potential donor might land on your website. Learn about how to optimize your website for giving, so even the skeptic is excited to donate. Through this presentation, Anna King will offer insight into how to create a donor experience which is "transformational, not transactional".

Victoria Preview Screening Dust n' Bones Feature Film

Join us for a preview screening of the feature length version of the though provoking documentary Dust n' Bones at 7 pm Thursday Nov 22nd at Cinecenta in the Students Union Building on the University of Victoria campus Victoria, BC. The screening will be followed by a Q and A. Dust ‘n Bones is a film examining the challenges and mysteries of the discovery, preservation, and re-dedication of First Nations artifacts and remains through the work of Cowichan Archeological Consultant Harold C. Joe.

If you wrote it, you can share it! And if you would like some feedback on what you've shared just say the word! We will also have a designated time for to explore writing exercises with each other during the circle.

Coastal Carnivores: An Evening With Raincoast Conservation

Raincoast Conservation Foundation and Coastal First Nations are working to end all commercial trophy hunting in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. Join us at Patagonia Victoria for an evening of stories, photography, wolves, bears, and your chance to safeguard coastal carnivores in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic landscapes.

Doors at 7:00pm by donation with all proceeds going towards Raincoast Conservation Foundation, beer will be provided by Driftwood Brewery.

Fundraising film + DJ lounge supporting Heiltsuk v Canada

The Heilstuk Nation upholds an unbroken lineage of ancestral teachings that powerfully connect people to place. When the Nathan E. Stewart ran aground in their Great Bear Rainforest home, the Heiltsuk took to the courts. Witness how, in the wake of the devastating spill, the Heiltsuk are working to enshrine Indigenous governance of their homelands and waters into law. They are taking power back from regulators asleep at the wheel to ensure that the Pacific coast is protected for future generations. Their work will ensure marine safety for anyone who cares about the coast, the climate and future generations.

The Nathan E. Stewart sank: but the Heiltsuk are rising.

Stunning footage combines with compelling storytelling to paint an urgent picture of a Nation poised to change the conversation about rights and reconciliation in this country.

A few sponsored spots are available if the ticket price is a barrier. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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This is an all ages event.

There will be no alcohol served at this event.

The Vic Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any accessibility questions or direct message Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable

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CRFAIR promotes healthy and sustainable food systems. This considers our relationships with each other, and the land and waters of this region. We endeavour to honour the land and its treaties by strengthening our relationship and responsibilities to them. We live and work on unceded Coast Salish Territories*, specifically of the Lekwungen (Songhees and Esquimalt Nations) and W̱SÁNEĆ (Tsartlip/W̱JOȽEȽP, Tseycum/WSIḴEM, Tsawout/SȾÁUTW, and Pauquachin/BOḰEĆEN Nations).

The presence of settlers (non-Indigenous peoples who live on these lands) is not neutral; it has had and continues to have devastating impacts on many aspects of life for Indigenous peoples. Many of our practices, including the seeds we plant, the ways we educate, and our methods of growing food came to these lands through the ongoing process of colonialism. Settler colonialism has suppressed local well-being by harming Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ food systems, whether they be land-based or of the sky and sea. We hold this understanding in our interactions and engagements with this land and its people.

Student Food Activism at UVic-part of the 2018 Good Food Summit

The UVSS Food Bank & Free Store, Uvic Meal Exchange, UVic Campus Community Garden, and UVic Community Cabbage will be coming together to address student food insecurity and access in Victoria, and how we can work to increase the availability of healthy food to students. Each group will share their unique perspective on how their activities are creating spaces in the student community where we can come together and focus on creating change within the current food system and drive forward a sustainable food future.

Entry to this session of the Good Food Summit is FREE to all individuals. The panel will consist of a student representative from each organization answering questions on a series of topics including food justice, food insecurity, and food literacy, as well as time for audience question.

Good Food is: good for the planet, good for the provider, good for the health and well-being of all

The Good Food Network launched in 2015 as a way of connecting across sectors and silos to engage the whole food system. Strengthening diversity and collaboration are critical to achieving system change.

Boycott Black Friday - Free classes all day

Every year we refuse any form of payment on Black Friday as a reminder that we don’t need to succumb to the over-consumption around the holidays. Too many families go into greater debt getting swept up into the urgency of buy now, buy now. We want to offer a small reprieve from the chaos by offering our space for an entire day, where you are encouraged to leave your wallet at home. Enjoy mat and towel service on us, try out a class you’ve never had before, or just come in and be in the stillness of the room. We may not be able to stop Black Friday from picking up momentum here in Canada, but we sure can balance it out!

These classes fill up rather fast, so be sure to pre-register for classes!

Explore Your Roots:
Researching Indigenous Genealogy

Learn about resources related to Indigenous genealogy held in Library and Archives Canada's (LAC) vast collection! This workshop will provide you with a greater understanding of LAC's holdings, how to use LAC's website and genealogy resources, as well as tips and tricks to help you delve into your Indigenous genealogy. An archivist from BC Archives will also be on hand to discuss how LAC’s tools and resources complement provincial collections. Beginners welcome.

Indigenous Pedagogy Workshop

This workshop is for teacher education students at the University of Victoria, looking to delve into the First People's Principle's of Learning. It is co-curricular and lunch will be provided. It will be facilitated by Indigenous artist and Emily Carr student, Megan Jensen. (bio can be found below) It will be held in MacLaurin, D287. We would like to acknowledge that we are grateful to be learning on the Lekwungen-speaking peoples land whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

"This workshop will examine the westernized pedagogical structures North American institutions have prescribed to and how these structures directly correlate with indigenous students being subjected to prejudice from staff, faculty and fellow students. By engaging in stories and experiences by both indigenous and non- indigenous members both within and outside of academia, participants will become acquainted with indigenous methodologies and when utilized, how drastically different the academic experience has the potential to be. The role of pedagogy carries a unique liberty in comparison to the policy constraints of academia. By sharing my own story of navigating through my undergrad, I aspire to help students to reconsider the level of agency they truly have within the institution. Through stories of perseverance and self determination, I aspire to empower students to devote themselves in understanding not only what decolonizing pedagogy means, but how it can be practically applied in their everyday lives and their own institution."

Queer Peers Presents: lgbtq2+ History and Liberation

The Queer Peers youth collective, run out of AIDS Vancouver Island, is excited to present the first of a 6 part workshop series for queer and allied youth 12-25 in our community.

November’s workshop will focus on exploring the relationships between queer community and the police, the war on drugs and poverty as well as the influence of queer history on current events. We hope to dig in critically to some of the current issues in queer community such as police participation in Pride.

The workshop will be taking place at the Central Library branch in downtown Victoria. We will be meeting in the second floor meeting room (Meeting room 2). To get to the room either go up the stairs (to the left, just inside the main entrance) and turn around on the landing at the top - you will be facing the elevator. The room will be to the left and just behind the elevator. If you get the elevator up it is a right-turn and then an immediate right-turn again.

What role can the co-operative housing model play in the expansion of nonmarket housing in Victoria and the Capital Region? What benefits do co-ops offer over rental housing and private housing? What partnership are happening in BC and beyond to expand access to co-op housing and help build inclusive communities?

It's been decades since new co-op housing has been built in the City of Victoria and the Capital Region. We now have an opportunity through federal, provincial, regional and municipal funding and partnerships to create a resurgence of co-op housing and extend the benefits of this model to people in the city and region.

Join us for this Town Hall meeting on November 28 and learn more about the co-operative housing model and the role it can play in expanding housing affordability!

Sponsored by the City of Victoria, the Capital Regional District, the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC & Neighbourhoods United For Fairness

Saanich Climate Plan
public workshop no. 1

This free event includes an open house drop-in and interactive workshops on mitigation (reducing our climate impact) and adaptation (responding to a changing climate). You can register for the workshops in advance, and there may be drop-in spots available. Light refreshments will be provided.

Ancient Forest Alliance Year-End Celebration & Fundraiser!

Join us Thursday, November 29, at the Victoria Event Centre for the Ancient Forest Alliance's year-end celebration to honour our 9th year of operation and the amazing community that has helped us get to where we are today!

Enjoy some appetizers, drinks, and socializing with AFA volunteers, staff, donors, and supporters! The night will feature a fun and informative slideshow presented by the AFA's TJ Watt and Andrea Inness followed by a silent auction fundraiser. This is also a great chance to pick up Christmas gifts like our 2019 calendar. Come join us for a drink, relax, and have some fun!

BCSEA Victoria Chapter AGM 2018 featuring Jeremy Loveday

The BCSEA Victoria Chapter invites you to its Annual General Meeting and social!

Join us on Thursday, November 29th at 7:00pm, at Gorgeous Coffee, 103, 300 Gorge Rd W, Victoria for a night of informative speakers, and thoughtful, inspiring conversation! And we will elect a new Steering Committee for 2019.

Our keynote speaker will be newly re-elected Victoria Councillor Jeremy Loveday speaking on Victoria’s efforts to improve energy efficiency in housing and buildings. And Jess Dawe, Energy & Climate Action Manager for Victoria will tell us about the city’s new Climate Leadership Plan.

And finally you can help our chapter through the next year by participating in our silent auction! Bring a donation of something useful or interesting that you no longer want yourself, bid on items that others bring or both! (Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you plan to bring something.)

Fundraiser for Ƚel,tos: an Evening of Art & Gratitude

Join us to acknowledge the ȽEL,TOS paddlers, and to raise funds for Tsawout's legal claim!

WSANEC knowledge-holders will explore important elements of Tsawout's culture, arts and traditions, and explain Tsawout's ownership of ȽEL,TOS (James Island). Video footage of the Sept. 2 Paddle for ȽEL,TOS will be on display.

We look forward to this annual opportunity to thank our donors, lenders and partners and to celebrate our success. This year’s event will feature the theme More Than Loans: Celebrating Local Impact and we look forward to sharing a few stories from our work with the community this past year. Guest speakers (to be announced soon) will also speak to this theme.

Big things have small beginnings and we will also be announcing exciting developments for the organization for the coming year. We hope you can join us!

What role do Indigenous laws play in ensuring reconciliation doesn’t morph into recolonization? As part of this season’s Testify: Indigenous Laws + the Arts exhibition this panel discussion with members of the Testify collective reflects on how we can recognize Indigenous law in true and meaningful ways. The discussion will be moderated by UVic Chancellor Shelagh Rogers and Vancouver Island University Chancellor Louise Mandell, who is part of the Testify collective.

Vancouver Island Community Investment Cooperative

The Vancouver Island Community Investment Cooperative is launching its "I Invest Local" Fund for 2018/19 followed by the Cooperative's AGM. Come and join us to hear how we are investing in our Island communities and how you can contribute to a unique fund that gives you a financial return while creating sustainable social, economic and environmental impacts for our people, planet and communities.

Richard Wagamase’s Starlight:
A tribute with Shelagh Rogers

Richard Wagamase was one of Canada’s most beloved and multi-talented journalists, novelists and memoirists. His death at the age of 61 left a profound loss in our country’s literary culture.

Join his friend UVic Chancellor Shelagh Rogers and fellow writers Monique Gray Smith, Troy Sebastian, Lorna Crozier and Darrel McLeod as they celebrate the posthumous release of his novel Starlight (the story of an abused woman who discovers sanctuary on the farm of an Indigenous man) and remember the life and art of Richard Wagamase.

Free and open to the public. Ceremonial Hall, First Peoples House, University of Victoria

What's Up in the Woods?

Join the Wilderness Committee, Ancient Forest Alliance and Sierra Club BC for an update on Vancouver Island's remaining old-growth rainforests and the movement to protect them!

Come hear what our organizations are doing to address this crisis and how you can get involved. We want to hear you concerns and share ideas on how we can protect these vital ecosystems before it's too late.

Conservation at the Interface of Indigenous Knowledge & Ecology

Diving Back in Time: Conservation at the Interface of Indigenous Knowledge and Ecology

Yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) are a marine species of immense ecological, economic, and cultural value. The fish, which can live more than a century, are relied upon by commercial, recreational, and First Nations fishers alike. Like many species that are valued by multiple user groups, yelloweye rockfish have faced massive stock declines in British Columbia throughout the last century.

Coastal Indigenous peoples worldwide have relied on fish and other marine resources for millennia, and continue to do so despite recent degradation of ocean systems by external forces. Their Indigenous knowledge and law, comprised of experiences, observations, beliefs, and lifeways, is relevant for modern marine management and conservation. In BC, Coastal First Nations are in the process of developing proprietary Marine Use Plans, that combine Indigenous knowledge with independently conducted ecological studies to inform local marine management decisions.

One key hurdle to managing yelloweye rockfish is a dearth of baseline data – no fishery-independent data is available for the species prior to 2002, confounding the setting of meaningful management and conservation goals. In partnership with the Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, and Heiltsuk First Nations, our narrative endeavors to overcome these data limitations and inform management and conservation of yelloweye rockfishes by interweaving Indigenous knowledge and scientific data towards fuller understanding of the species. Ultimately, we documented important historical changes in yelloweye rockfish size and abundance, and emphasize the value of Indigenous-led management.

Performing live on the unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations, we are proud to present the culmination of our season's work.

Over the last 12 weeks we have been working on songs to uplift, inspire and ignite the kind of care that is so desperately needed in the world today. In the face of the overwhelming social and environmental catastrophe, Resistance Rising Choir comes a singing! Joyfully raising our voices to honour and protect that which is most sacred to us. Igniting inspiration by bringing magic of harmony to front line resistance.

The night will feature the harmonious offerings of the Resistance Rising choir as well as poetry and performances by Betty Supple and other special guests. We will also hear from renowned and relentless First Nations elder and matriarch, Tsastilqalus Ambers Umbas as she shares about the critical state of BC Wild Salmon and what she's been doing to help save wild salmon from systematic eradication and the domino effect of ecosystem collapse. And she'll share about what you can do to help protect this keystone species and lifeblood of the BC coast, our wild pacific salmon.

Our silent auction will feature unique items for you to bid on and our concession will offer tasty hand made goodies for you to enjoy.

Funds from our concert, concession and silent auction will benefit front line Wild Salmon Defence through Matriarch Camp. Learn more by visiting here:

Clearcutting ALERT!

This is alarming. Billionaire logging companies are clearcutting Vancouver Island’s last old-growth rainforests at a rate of 2 soccer fields an hour -- and the BC government is just letting it happen. [1]

More than 90% of the island’s biggest trees have already been logged, and we can’t afford to lose the last ancient forests. [2]

The BC NDP made a commitment to sustainable forest management practices in the last election [3] -- and we’ve got to hold their feet to the fire. A flood of emails could show the BC government that voters won’t let them get away with destroying Vancouver Island’s last ancient forests.

There’s no excuse for old-growth logging. Some of these trees are almost 1,000 years old, and once they’re cut down they can never be replaced. And we don’t need to clearcut ancient trees -- if we stopped raw log exports we could support thousands more long-term forestry jobs without cutting a single ancient tree. [5]

BC’s NDP government is already under pressure from scientists and environmental groups to put an end to the massacre of BC’s ancient forests -- and a huge outcry from voters could be the final straw that forces them to take action.

We’ve created a tool to help you send a message to the Minister of Forests urging him to immediately ban logging in critical old-growth hotspots, and then work with First Nations and impacted communities to implement a science-based Old-Growth Protection Act.